Blaine-Birch Bay Park And Recreation District 2

The board discussed community support funds for organizations like Wings over Water, Run with the Chums, Birch Bay Chamber, and Whatcom Early Learning Center. Commissioner Wilbrecht was approved as the BBBPRD2 representative on the Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee. The board approved the Director to submit a proposal to manage the Senior Center, including a budget with city income. An exception to the hiring policy was approved for youth programming and community events. Updates were given on the California Creek Park project, including the submission of responses to NOAR's and electricity options. The potential approval for the Event Planner for the City of Blaine Events was deferred. The Director reported on county financial processes, a meeting with various representatives to discuss property purchasing, and the purchase of an AED for the Pavilion.

The meeting included a roll call, public comments, and a treasurer's report with February ending bank balances. New business included a presentation on options for the past radar tower and a master plan review, which was deferred. Special projects discussed were California Creek Park, trails, plumbing replacement options, staff hiring and job responsibilities, an interlocal government agreement for the Community Center, rescheduling of Prom, beer gardens run by a non-profit, and director vacation and remote working.

The board covered various topics, including presentations from Cascade Engineering, approval for plumbing repairs, and discussions with the Blaine Chamber of Commerce. The acquisition of California Creek property was addressed, along with updates on the RCO grant for trails and the Ninja Park project. The board also discussed training for a playground inspector, credit card usage, and fraud prevention. Reports were given on program and rental activities, phone and internet plans, registration software, and collaborations with Thrive. Additionally, the board considered a security system request and approved a pay raise and increased hours for the Youth Lead.

Discussions and actions taken during the board meetings covered several key operational and project areas. The board addressed Treasurer's Reports, including the receipt of a significant reimbursement check from RCO. New business featured deliberations on Community Support Funds requests from various organizations, approval for Commissioner Wilbrecht to represent the district on the Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee (BBCAC), and approval for Director Lindsay to submit a proposal to manage and operate the Senior Center, contingent upon City income matching a proposed budget of $70,000. The board also approved exceptions to the 2025 hiring policy for youth programming staff and approved the purchase of a sound system for events. Special Projects, particularly California Creek Park, involved updates on submitted responses to NOARs and permit fees paid. Future discussions were deferred regarding the Master Plan Review and the City of Blaine Events Professional Services Agreement. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters, including raises for the Director and staff. The board also approved the 2026 budget and fee schedule, and the cancellation of old warrants.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on several key areas, including community support funds for organizations such as Wings over Water, Run with the Chums, Birch Bay Chamber, and Whatcom Early Learning Center. The board nominated and voted for Commissioner Executive Board positions, including Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer. A review of the Master Plan progress and timeline was deferred. Special projects like Harborview Rd improvements and California Creek Park were discussed. The board approved the Commissioner Chair to sign a professional services agreement for the Event Planner for the City of Blaine Events. The director reported on filling the Youth Lead Position, the City's upcoming decision on their RFP for the Community Center, and the planning stages for city events. The board also discussed facilities being in high demand, summer camp registration, partnerships with local artists, and the addition of pickleball to the Sunday Night Schedule.